making a face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of contorting one's facial expression, often to convey emotion or reaction, such as disgust or annoyance. Example: "When she tasted the sour lemon, she couldn't help but start making a face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She sniffed, making a face.

The New Yorker

"Corporate colonialism?" Maria said, making a face.

Harvard Business Review

"Look," said Hares, making a face.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Ugh," she says, making a face.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ingénue," she says, making a face.

The New York Times

"What are you waiting for?" Weitz demanded, making a face.

The New Yorker

That is, I was surely making a face.

The New Yorker

Making a face appear familiar can also make it seem more likable, Oliva says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He's making a face like I'm a puppy with a broken leg.

The New Yorker

He was smiling horribly and making a face, and he dislodged his glasses.

The New Yorker

Tap water, he said, making a face, could be recycled as many as seven times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a face" to vividly describe a person's reaction or emotion in informal contexts.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise and descriptive alternatives like "grimacing" or "scowling" to avoid ambiguity and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a face" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence, often acting as part of a verb phrase to indicate a visible emotional or physical reaction. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of this usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a face" is a common and correct way to describe someone's facial expression conveying emotion or reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news media and informal contexts. While grammatically sound, more precise alternatives may be preferable in formal writing. The phrase is versatile and effectively communicates visible reactions, making it a valuable tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pulling a face

Using "pulling" instead of "making" to describe the facial expression.

grimacing

Expressing pain or disapproval through a contorted facial expression.

scowling

Expressing displeasure or anger by furrowing the brows.

frowning

Indicating unhappiness or concern by lowering the corners of the mouth.

contorting one's face

Describing the act of twisting or deforming the face.

expressing disapproval facially

Conveying disagreement through a facial expression.

showing disgust on one's face

Visibly displaying revulsion or distaste.

registering surprise

Displaying astonishment or shock through facial cues.

displaying emotion facially

General expression of emotion through the face.

having a facial expression

Referring to a static emotional state reflected on the face.

FAQs

How can I use "making a face" in a sentence?

You can use "making a face" to describe someone's reaction, for example: "She was "making a face" after tasting the sour candy."

What are some alternatives to "making a face"?

Depending on the specific emotion, you can use alternatives such as "grimacing", "scowling", or "frowning".

Is "making a face" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "making a face" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. For formal contexts, consider more precise terms like "expressing disapproval" or "registering discomfort".

What's the difference between "making a face" and "pulling a face"?

The phrases "making a face" and "pulling a face" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on regional dialect or personal preference.